WINCHESTER young carers struck a positive tune as they showcased their compositions to a crowded shopping centre.

Youngsters sang at Whiteley Shopping Centre last week as part of a music and photography programme which aims to build self-esteem and give them respite from the challenges of caring for a loved one.

They wrote tunes inspired by photographs taken over two months of free workshops with arts charity Create.

“I liked that we were all able to listen to each other’s ideas,” said one carer, 14.

“I don’t usually feel able to share things with people so that felt really good.

“I think we were all really nervous about performing in front of everyone but excited at the same time,” she added. “I felt really proud of myself for taking part. I’m not that confident so being able to say that ‘I did that’ feels amazing.”

The need for creative support is increasing, Winchester Young Carers said. The number of young carers in Hampshire rose by almost a quarter between 2001 and 2011, according to the last Census.

“Young carers are at high risk of social isolation, so this is a great way of increasing their visibility in the community and enabling them to feel involved in the local area,” a charity spokesman said. “They take on responsibilities beyond their years – cooking, cleaning, and sorting medication – and are marginalised on many levels. Two-thirds are bullied at school and 75 per cent struggle maintaining relationships.”